Crocker Farm Parent Guardian Organization: Supporting our children, teachers, and the Crocker Farm community through family events & activities, and through fundraising for field trips, classroom mini-grants, and more.

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Saturday, February 28, 2015

Amherst Lacrosse
Girls & Boys teams now forming for spring.
Grades 2 - 8.
Amherst Youth Lacrosse teams include beginners through advanced players with home and away games scheduled through Connecticut Valley Youth Lacrosse League. Teams practice 2 or 3 times a week on local Amherst/UMass fields with our coaches working closely with players to develop their skills. Season runs from mid-March through mid-June.
Equipment can be rented for a modest fee.
Questions? Contact:
Alvie Borell
413-549-0943
admin@amherstyouthlacrosse.org
www.amherstyouthlacrosse.org

On Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at 7 pm in the Woodbury Room, Jones Library will be showing Smoke Signals, the sixth in a film and discussion series being held over several months which look at issues of race. A facilitated discussion will be held after the screening.

Smoke Signals is a feature film which debunks stereotypes about native people. An award winner at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival, the film is based on Sherman Alexie's short story "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" from his book The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven.

Free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at 413-259-3223 or ryanj@joneslibrary.org

This film series is co-sponsored by the Jones Library and The Coming Together Project. More information about The Coming Together Project can be found at http://www.coming-together.org/.

AMHERST BASEBALL LEAGUES 2015
Please join us this spring/summer for another season full of great instruction, good times and new friendships.
The following information is for parents of children (girls and boys) who are interested in playing: Rookies (ages 5 – 6), Minors (ages 7-9), Majors/Little League (ages 10-12) and Babe Ruth (ages 13-15).
All of our coaches are volunteers – please consider donating your time and your positive energy to this community organization.
Registration for ALL levels of play can be done Online at: http://amherstbaseball.org/
See the flyer for more info.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Healthy, easy to eat & store (no refrigeration needed) snacks needed for the afterschool rehearsals for the spring show. Snacks can be dropped off with Ms. Z or left in the front office to her attention. No nut or peanut ingredients please. Thanks for your help!

Box Tops are due this week & can be dropped off in the collection box in the foyer or the PGO mailbox in the office.All those 10 cent clippings really add up: Last year, we earned almost $400. All the money we earn goes back to help Crocker Farm students, staff, & the school community. Thanks for your help!

Please join us at a public forum to learn more, ask
questions and make comments about regionalization and the potential of expanding
our current region to include our elementary schools.

Amherst School
Committee Forum

Tuesday, March 3

MEETING TIME: 6:00-8:00 PM.

LOCATION:
Town Room, Town Hall, 2nd floor

LIST OF TOPICS:

1) Public Forum on amending the current
grades 7-12 Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools Agreement between the four towns of
Amherst, Leverett, Pelham, and Shutesbury to preK-12. Other members of the
Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and the recent RAWG (Regional
Agreement Working Group) are likely to participate.

2) Topics the chair did not
reasonably anticipate 48 hours before the meeting.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Forums on the proposed K-12 regionalization (Amherst, Pelham, Leverett, Shutesbury) have been scheduled as follows:
Amherst Public Forum: Tues, March 3rd, 6:00 pm, Town Room, Amherst Town Hall
Leverett Public Forum: Thurs, Feb 26th, 7:00 pm, Leverett Elementary SchoolThe dates for the public forums for Shutesbury & Pelham have not been finalized yet.
More information on the proposed regionalization is available on the
Regional School Committee Regional Agreement Working Group (RAWG) web site: link here
The RAWG presented a report to the Regional School Committee in Jan 2015. A copy of that report and the current regional agreement can be downloaded here: RAWG report

Sunday, February 22, 2015

SciTech Cafe is pleased to present the monthly discussion series: A scientist walks into a bar... to shed light on dark matter.

Monday, February 23rd, 6pm, Amherst Brewing Company

Dark Matter and Energy: We Really Don't Know What Most of the Universe is Made of

*What is the universe made of, and how do we know?

*What do we mean by “dark matter” and “dark energy” and what’s the difference between them?

*What are we doing to try to figure out what these are actually made of?

Professor Gary Felder of the Physics Department at Smith College will share with us his exploration of the dark side...of matter and energy that is.

Please bring a friend and join us as we enjoy light appetizers, lively conversations, prizes and brilliant minds. This is an inclusive, family-friendly event and people of all walks of life are invited.

Admission is FREE!

Upcoming Events:

March 23rd: "Why Aren't More Women in Science?" with Professor Katherine Aidala, Mount Holyoke College

April 27th: "Optoelectronics and Diamond" with Professor Marko Lončar, Harvard University

June 8th: "Building a net zero, passive, tiny house in Amherst" with Professor Alexi Arango, Mount Holyoke College

At Empty Bowls, each guest selects a unique, handcrafted bowl donated by a local artist, and dines on steaming delicious hot soup, bread and salad donated by

local restaurants and cheerfully served up by local "celebrities". The bowl is yours to keep as a reminder of all the other bowls which, through your generous participation in this event, you will have helped to fill.

There will also be raffle opportunities where, for an additional donation, you can win a beautiful glass Josh Simpson bowl.

The Amherst Survival Center, Family Outreach of Amherst and other concerned organizations and community members are joining together to launch the Amherst-Area Diaper Drive. It will run from February 14 thru April 6, 2015. The goal is ambitious: to collect donations of 18,000 diapers and 54,000 diaper wipes so that the Survival Center's Food Pantry can consistently make them available to our neighbors in need.

Why diapers?

Diapers for babies are as essential as food and shelter. Yet, they are not often recognized as a basic need. They cannot be obtained with food stamps (SNAP) or WIC (the food and nutrition program for women, infants and children). They are classified with cigarettes, alcohol and pet food as disallowed purchases.

The Drive is collecting disposable diapers and diaper wipes. Some people have asked if we will accept cloth diapers. The Amherst Survival Center's Community Store accepts cloth diaper donations, however, they are not part of this Drive.

Where can you drop off diaper donations?

There are 13 locations (or you can bring them directly to the Amherst Survival Center at 138 Sunderland Road in North Amherst). Look for the "Diaper Drop-Off Here" signs, a listing of drop-off locations is here.

Who?

The Drive is co-sponsored by Family Outreach of Amherst, the Amherst Survival Center, concerned community members, the Office of State Representative Ellen Story, Amherst College Center for Community Engagement, Hampshire/Franklin/ North Quabbin WIC - a program of Community Action, the Town of Amherst Health Department, and the United Way of Hampshire County.

Thank you for your patience during this winter full of snow days and narrowing roadways. Weappreciate all your efforts to get your children to school on time and with appropriate winter gear. We make every effort to get outside for fresh air and exercise every day unless the temperature and wind chill drop too low. This is the website we consult to help us make the decision to be in or out:
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/hcci/common/pdf/weatherwatch.pdf Hats, gloves, snow pants, boots and warm coats will ensure that kids are able to enjoy their recess time. Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to write your child’s name on his/her winter gear in case it gets misplaced. One way thatMr. James, our PE teacher, has helped our older students enjoy the weather is snowshoeing during PE classes.

Just a reminder: It is dangerous to double-park anywhere on school grounds. We realize the snowmakes it more challenging to park and pick up your children, but we ask for your patience until the snow melts for the safety of our students and families.

You should have received your child’s report card in their backpack at the end of last week. Reportcards are a formal way for us to communicate your child’s academic and social progress in school. However, as always, connecting with your child’s classroom teacher is the best way for you to understand how your child is doing in school. To that end, although there are no formal scheduled Spring Conferences, if you would like to meet with your child’s teacher in March or April, please reach out to them.

Thursday, February 12th was the 100th day of school for our 1st-6th graders. Many of our teachersincorporated some fun activities with the number 100. Be sure to ask your child if they were a part of any 100 activities.

As February comes to a close, we would like to remind you that MCAS tests are right around thecorner for 3rd through 6th grade. For your information, we have attached the schedule. During thesescheduled testing days, it’s a good idea to make sure your child is well-rested and had a healthybreakfast.

We wish you and your family a happy and healthy February vacation and we look forward to seeing your children again on Monday, February 23rd.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Please join the Odyssey Bookshop in welcoming Sonia Nieto, Professor Emerita of Language, Literacy, and Culture, School of Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This sequel to Nieto's popular book, "Why We Teach," features powerful stories of classroom teachers from across the country as they give witness to their hopes and struggles to teach our nations children. "Why We Teach Now" offers us the voices of teachers like 42-year veteran Mary Ginley, who wonders, "Why would anyone with any brains and imagination ever want to be a teacher?"

Sonia Nieto is Professor Emerita of Language, Literacy, and Culture, School of Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

The Odyssey Bookshop requests that attendees purchase a copy of Why We Teach Now from in order to join the book signing line. To reserve a seat for this event, please email RSVP@odysseybks.com, for specific queries, call the store at (413) 534-7307.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Community StorytellingStorytelling by Onawumi Jean MossLocation: Dakin and Merrill Living Rooms at Hampshire CollegeFebruary 16Youth stories: 11:30 - 1:00Adult stories: 11:30 - 1:00Onawumi Jean Moss is a storyteller, narrator, keynote speaker, and author. Come join us in celebrating Black History Month, the power of voice, and sharing stories of identity by workshopping personal stories.This event is free and open to the public. All ages welcome!Food will be provided!

Amherst, MA – The JonesLibrary is holding its third On the Same Page community reading program, this year featuring the novel The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by bestselling author Heidi Durrow. The entire Amherst community is invited to read the book and participate in the upcoming programs and events. The following series of programs will be held during February and March at the JonesLibrary, and are based on topics and themes from the novel. On the Same Page – Amherst will culminate in an appearance by author Heidi Durrow to be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at the Munson Memorial Library Hall in South Amherst. For complete program descriptions, visit the program’s webpage athttp://www.joneslibrary.org/onthesamepage/osp2015.html

February 6 - March 14, 2015 – Atrium JonesLibrary

Of Many Colors Exhibit - Of Many Colors includes photographs and interviews with families who have bridged the racial divide through interracial relationships and/or adoption. The exhibit and its companion book were created by Family Diversity Projects.

Tuesday, February 24 at 7 pm - Woodbury Room JonesLibrary

Book Discussion- An interactive book discussion will explore the impact of community on identity with fun & engaging activities, and then lead into sharing and discussing The Girl Who Fell from the Sky. This event is co-sponsored by theJonesLibrary, Amherst Together, and the Equity Project Intergenerational Team at Amherst College.

Thursday, March 5 at 7:00 pm - Woodbury Room JonesLibrary

Multiracial Families: The Amherst Experience - A panel of Amherst parents share their personal experiences of parenting biracial and adopted children in our community. The panel will be moderated by Peggy Gillespie, Co-Founder/Director of Family Diversity Projects.

On the Same Page...with Heidi Durrow - Join us for this author appearance! Heidi Durrow will talk about her book and the issues it explores. Books will be available for purchase & signing.

Copies of The Girl Who Fell from the Sky can be borrowed from the JonesLibrary and branches, requested and checked out from the C/W Mars library catalog, or purchased at Amherst Books in Amherst.

The Girl Who Fell from the Sky was the winner of the PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction in 2008, which is awarded biennially to the author of a previously unpublished novel of high literary caliber that promotes fiction which addresses issues of social justice and the impact of culture and politics on human relationships. The Girl Who Fell from the Sky was a has been hailed as one of the Best Novels of 2010 by the Washington Post, a Top 10 Book of 2010 by The Oregonian, and named a Top 10 Debut of 2010 by Booklist, as well as being a New York Times Bestseller, a Los Angeles Times Bestseller, and an Indie Next Pick.

Heidi W. Durrow, the New York Times best-selling author of The Girl Who Fell from the Sky, is a graduate of Stanford, Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism, and Yale Law School. She is the host of a new audio and video podcast calledThe Mixed Experience, and has been featured as a leading expert on multiracial and multicultural issues and identity by the NBC Nightly News, the New York Times, CNN, National Public Radio, the BBC, Ebony Magazine, and the San Francisco Chronicle. She is an occasional contributor to National Public Radio and blogs for the Huffington Post.

On the Same Page – Amherst and its programs are sponsored by the Friends of the JonesLibrary System. For further information about the On the Same Page - Amherst, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

Auditions will be held for the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) musical production of ALADDINMonday, March 2, at the Amherst Middle School Cafeteria from 4:15pm to 6:15pm.All those auditioning should arrive at 4:00 andplan to stay for the full two hours. Some of those cast in the show will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the auditions.

For Aladdin it’s not easy to find a magic lamp--but it’s even harder to get a date! It’s a swirling sandstorm of famous Arabian Tales from Ali Baba to Scheherazade, and even Sinbad the Sailor, as Aladdin journeys to find a magic lamp in a Cave of (not-so-great) Wonders. Along his way Aladdin seeks answers and advice from wise Genies, a powerful Sultan, and his own Mother to find a way to meet the Princess. However, even with the lamp in hand, Aladdin will have to learn that it takes more than a wish to make a good impression. Full of memorable characters, from lost Penguins to talking Palm Trees, this is an adventure worthy of 1001 laughs.

Students from Kindergarten to 12thgrade are encouraged to audition. Assistant Directors will also be cast to aid in rehearsals throughout the week, and to take on essential backstage responsibilities. There are 50-60 roles available, with parts in every age group. This is a group audition, and no advance preparation is necessary--though a smile always helps! There is a $55 Registration Fee due at the audition for all those who are cast—additional siblings $30 (waivers available).

The Missoula Children’s Theatre touring productions are complete with costumes, scenery, props and makeup. The MCT Tour Actor/Directors will conduct rehearsals throughout the week from 4:00-8:30 Monday, March 2nd – Friday, March 6th. Not everyone will need to be present at every rehearsal.

ALADDIN will be presented on Saturday, March 7th at 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm in the Amherst Middle School Auditorium. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students under 18 and seniors.

For more information, go to “Children’s Theater” at ALSCT.org, or call Susan at 413-461-6722. ALADDIN—make all your wishes come true and join us!

Join us for a fantastic three-day creative session sure to get your children engaged and happy! A team of three experienced instructors (and some helpers!) have put together a program not to be missed!

Each day will begin with a group activity and then will split into three sections. Each section will then go to one of three Discovery classes, rotating into the other two at 2-hour intervals.

Fiber Arts: Creating a felting picture and alien or what have you?Clay: Building a bowl and a covered box. NOTE: Students will need to come back at two occasions – one to glaze their objects after firing and one to pick up their creations!Pencil Magic: Learning to draw and create amazing pictures!

Children bring their own lunch and snack.
This hands-on interactive Creative Discovery will improve their skills and expand their creativity! Join us! Go tohttp://workshop13.org/youth-classes/ to sign up today!

Here's our monthly reminder about three easy ways to earn money for Crocker Farm at no cost to you.

Collect & Send in Box Tops: The next deadline for sending in Box Tops is Monday, Feb 23rd (or Feb 24th, if we have another Monday snowday.... ). Box Tops can be dropped off in the collection box in the school lobby or in the PGO box in the front office. Box Tops really add up for our school, & last year brought in more than $300.

Stop & Shop A+ Rewards: Through the
program, families register their Stop & Shop card to earn points
for their school, and then the school each time the family shops
at the store. Last year, Crocker Farm earned close to $500. If you haven't registered your Stop & Shop card yet for the A+ Rewards program, you can do so at this web site. http://www.stopandshop.com/aplus/register-card/Crocker Farm has school ID 05194
for the program. Family members can register to support Crocker Farm
School too. Stop & Shop (& its parent company) has
stores in MA, CT, VT, NJ, NY, DE, MD, and WV.

So
far this school year, Crocker Farm has earned just over $200 in A+
Rewards. The A+ Rewards program for this school year runs through
March 19th, 2015. There is just over one month left.

Target Take Charge of Education: Families
with a Target REDcard can signup in the Take Charge of Education
program so that Crocker Farm earns 1% of the value of all purchases.
The online signup is here.
Crocker Farm's program ID: 58644. So far this school year, Crocker Farm has earned just over $350.

If you are interested in a REDcard debit or credit card and don't have one yet, you can apply for one here. REDcard holders receive 5% off on all purchases, free shipping at target.com, and 30 extra days for returns (some restrictions apply).

---Direct Donations: In addition to the passive fundraisers mentioned above, the PGO accepts donations year-round to help fund our activities. All the money we raise goes to support Crocker Farm students, families, and teachers. We help subsidize field trips to make them accessible to all students, and fund enrichment activities and materials and school community events. To give, you can write a check to the "Crocker Farm PGO" and leave it in the PGO box in the school office, or donate online here: Donate_to_CF_PGO. Every donation is greatly appreciated.

The Crocker Farm Nurse, Ms. Stenlund, is seeking the following clothing (especially for girls K-4th grade): - long pants with elastic waists, - underpants, &- socksto replenish the Health Office supplies. She is totally out of all the above. Clothing donations can be dropped off anytime.